Glowing Bottles

Gosh, I love transparent glass! I like to look for old bottles in antique stores, etc. This green one really appealed to me. The other ones are just meant to be next to it! So much fun. . .

Succulents in Red

Well - I know it's been a long time. I've missed posting and being involved with other daily painters. It's that whole balancing act between being an artist and the other hats I wear. I realize that once I pick up the brush and start something, I know this is what I'm supposed to do, and eventually, I will be a true daily painter.

I found this little red vase at a garage sale for a quarter, and I love the color. It's just so intense!

The succulents are from my sister's garden. The orange was meant to be with the red.

Mr. Lincoln

10x8 oil on canvas board

$80.00 plus s&h

This painting is the result of the Daily Paintworks Challenge. Each week, an artist from that group posts a challenge for all artists. This week, it's to paint Old Abe. Here is my solution, painted from a photo. Since I've been painting from life for quite a while, it was interesting painting from a photo again! I like how this one turned out.

Head Study 3-1

Last night, the scheduled model didn't arrive, so one of the artists in our class volunteered.

And a great model he was! He was so still. The fact that he was focusing on my mineral spirits jar was a little unnerving at times, because I felt he was watching me paint the whole time.

Another great night of painting! I'm quite satisfied with this one.

We Know We're Cute

6x6 oil on Raymar panel

70.00 plus s&h

These two little mugs look like models on the runway, posing in the light with their hands on their hips. You know, it's weird - when I finish a still life, it tells me what the title should be. On this one, I tried to change the title to something more academic, but the painting just wouldn't let me! I got these hand blown mugs at an antique store, and the red just grabbed me and I had to buy them.

Head Study 2-22

Another great session of painting last night! The model was beautiful - she reminded me of a modern day Pocahontas. I'm learning a lot about the portrait, and how a limited palette is so unifying to use. I'm working on seeing the head as a ball, and identifying values as they recede from the lightest part.

Head Study 2/15

I feel I've had a breakthrough in painting the portrait. This one was especially rewarding, because I captured her essence, her attittude. Her direct gaze is a little intimidating and raw.

Again, a limited palette was used, and the darks are finally dark enough.

Figure Study 1/31

I have been studying with the renowned artist, Joseph Todorovitch, for over a year now, and the focus is on academic painting concerning the figure. I tend to focus on the head, as I am more interested in portraits. This particular model is excellent and is serious about her work. I work with a limited palette - white, ivory black, yellow ochre, and cad red light. It's amazing what colors can come from these! It also makes decisions about colors easy. I will be posting several more heads this week.

Green Bottle with Lemons

6x6 oil on Raymar panel

70.00 plus s&h

I really love the shape and color of this green bottle. I painted it once before, and sold it the same day. I like the many little bits of light and color, esp in the bottle and on the surface. Transparent objects are so much fun to paint!

Teenage Boy

This young man posed for the first time at one of my painting groups. He was a good model. I like the strong shadows and lights. A warm direct spotlight was used here.

Sectioned Off

6x6 oil on Raymar panel

70.00 plus s&h

Each orange section goes off the edge of the canvas - an open form design I love to incorporate into my paintings. I chose the blue plate as a complement to the orange. A simple subject - but not simple to paint!

Victorian Engagement

This young couple posed for a painting group a few days ago. They are engaged, and one of their common interests is the Victorian era. They dressed in Victorian costume - which was beautiful and enjoyable to paint. The real challenge was doing two people in under four hours and have them look at least a little like who they really are.

Rains House

6x6 oil on Raymar panel

$70.00 plus s&h

I enjoy plein air but am fairly new to it. Wow - it's a whole different game out there! The bugs! The changing light! Forgeting your turpentine!

This house, the John Rains historic home in Rancho Cucamonga, California, was built in the 1840's. It is the oldest house in our area, and was built with handmade bricks. It's a beautiful home with an interior courtyard. John Rains and his wife, Dona Merced, owned much of the area where we live, until his murder, which is unsolved even today. The house, abandoned and dilapidated, was set for demolition in the early 1970's, when a school teacher and her students (my husband was one of them) stood in front of the bulldozer that would start the demolition, and stopped it in it's tracks. It was saved, restored, and is now a county museum.

Tryin To Fit In - SOLD

6x6 oil on Raymar panel

Hello everyone! It's been a while since I posted - I really miss painting when I don't - and I know you've all heard the "too busy" excuse. Well - I'm making every effort in this new year to paint more regularly. It feeds the soul, and makes everything else in life easier to deal with.

In this new painting, it seems the smallish apple is just trying to fit in, and there seems to be some question whether he will or not. This painting was so rewarding for me - such a simple subject, but so complicated in it's lights and shadows.

Orange Tea

6x6 oil on Raymar panel

$70.00 plus s&h

I finished this one this morning, after starting it last night. I love the idea of high contrast - hence the light mug on a dark background, and the use of complements. The reflections on the mug, as well as on the surface, were fun - and I think I pulled it off.